Italy - Cheaper flights to Rome in May?

Currently I'm seeing $1,300+ fares from SFO to Rome in the second half of May. Are there cheaper options I should be considering, like flying to another city and taking a train, or flying out of a different gateway city, etc?

I just checked and fares are about $980 from SFO. I am not sure how long you're stay is.
May 17th for a week stay

Planning to stay for 3-4 nights. May 17 can work, was just hoping to minimize time off from work by using Memorial Day.

I know from my experience flying to Macedonia and usually connect thru Rome fare start getting higher after mid May.
Air Canada is the lowest to Rome as of today.

$1300 is pretty good, but I have used LHR/FRA to cut costs. Booking to LHR or FRA can save 20-50%, and booking a separate flight to the next destination can open up a lot of options (especially with the discount airlines). It also works great if you want to fly business/first on the long hauls and go coach on short ones.

-jetlag cocktail